mosque, and, laying the Koran before them, adjured them by that sacred book to give faithful advice in this dread emergency. He stated the terms demanded by the enemy, adding, "You have heard the conditions of peace, and you have now to hear and answer my question, Shall it be peace or war?" The chiefs unanimously agreed that, under present circumstances, there remained no alternative, and thus concluded a scene that is said to have been peculiarly affecting.
That very night Tippoo sent off, signed and sealed, the conditions transmitted to him by Lord Cornwallis. Early in the morning orders were sent to the English troops to cease from their labour in the trenches, and to forbear further hostilities, an injunction that was received by the soldiers with a deep feeling of disappointment. Their enthusiasm had been raised to the highest pitch; they cherished the most sanguine hopes that they should triumphantly scale the proud walls of Seringapatam, and with their own hands rescue their countrymen immured in its dungeons. The Commander-in-Chief, however, issued very judicious general orders, in which he exhorted them to display moderation in their present success, and to avoid any insult to their humble adversary.
An interesting scene occurred in the fulfilment of that article of the treaty which related to the delivery of the two royal youths as hostages – a measure which Lord Cornwallis softened by every species of kindness and indulgence; and in consequence of the deep distress which was understood to prevail in the palace, a day's delay was granted. Tents having been sent from the fort, and erected for their accommodation, the General offered to wait upon them; but their father wrote that it was his particular wish they should be brought to his lordship's tent, and delivered into his own hands. They accordingly set out at one in the afternoon of the 26th, the walls being crowded with spectators, among whom was the Sultan himself. They rode on elephants richly-caparisoned, dressed in white muslin robes, having round their necks
